GENEVA (15 May 2013) - A group of United Nations experts said today that the establishment of truth and justice in Guatemala, as well as being fundamental elements for reparation for the victims, are essential to ensure the non-recurrence of the heinous crimes that characterized the civil war in the country, including enforced disappearance, arbitrary executions, rape and forced displacement of people.

"Justice is the best guarantee to prevent the recurrence of these crimes," stressed the UN experts after last Friday's court ruling that sentenced the former head of State José Efraín Ríos Montt for genocide and crimes against humanity.